DESPITE facing only three rivals, Banadura trainer Jason DaCosta was pleased with the professionalism shown by his bay filly as the 2023 two-year-old season got underway.

This event was the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC)/Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) Juvenile Sprint on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.

Bred by Casual Trick out of the Legal Process mare Esperanza, with Abigail Able in the saddle Banadura made all the running to win the $1.1-million Maiden Special Weight event for native-bred two-year-olds over three furlongs (600m) by 6¾ lengths. The bay filly won in a time of 36.3 seconds without breaking a sweat.

“It was a good performance by Banadura to win first time out. I mean, she only had three other horses to beat but it was a good performance nonetheless. Banadura was professional and I am happy with the win,” DaCosta said.

“From day one she [Banadura] was acting like a good horse and she was well-prepared for her first race. She took her preparation in stride and I am satisfied with her run,” DaCosta continued.

Banadura broke flying from post one in the four-horse following the scratching of Sheer De Jour, and rapidly opened up on the field passing the dummy rails. Able sat still in the saddle, solely using her hands and knees as Bandura continued to burn the route, winning handily at the wire.

Blue Sensation (Omar Walker) finished second, 5 3/4 lengths ahead of Lucy In The Sky (Javaniel Patterson) who finished third. Himaya (Phillip Parchment) completed the frame.